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Royal Enfield Himalayan
I'm looking for unbiased views on all the Himalayan's from early BS3 to latest 2021 model's.
I've been brought up on British bikes, appreciate certain sub 200kg Japanese bikes. But I'm ideally now looking for an air cooled adventure bike, the Himalayan fits the budget, Capacity suitable for our roads, but just how bad or good are they? Local agent here in France won't give a test ride even, no demo's, only new bikes he would deem secondhand. Hope for some sensible views on maintenance etc, thanks |
Why are you looking particularly for an aircooled bike?
The consensus seems to be that the fuel injected models are good - they do what they were designed to do very well, but aren't suited to "serious" off roading. Have a look at the Himalayan vs 250s thread (HERE) for a lot of interesting opinions. If I was going long distance on unpaved roads it would be my choice, but because I'm more drawn to "serious" off roading I don't think one is in my future :) |
I'm 6ft plus, like a decent fuel range that most 250's lack without aftermarket tanks. I'm not doing hardcore off road, more tour/adventure in no hurry. Thanks
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Then it sounds like it might be good for you, then :) I'd advise getting a friend to hold a bike up for you in the showroom and sit in a riding position for a minute - the footpegs are a bit forward compared to most bikes and it has a low seat.
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I did get a seat on one at local agents, but you're right about footrests; I noticed that on various YouTube clips. My 30 year old XT600 has good footrests, problem is restarts on hills, kickstart only! Here you'd pay almost as much for 600E as a new Himalayan
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BS6
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So if you buy a new one: No problem. I was driving one BS4 in Nepal. I do not know if it was ever imported to Europe. We drove 8 bikes for 2 weeks. Only one issue. The generator on one of the bikes stopped charging. But it could be fixed on the parking outside the hotel. From other reports. This model still had some issues to sort out. (But no major ones). And RE introduce improvement on the BS6 model. I think that it is a perfect travelling bike. For all roads except highways. And for no roads. But if you planned to tour Europe on highways and Autobahn, I assume you would not look into this bike. 36 000 km review of the Indian BS4 model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6sP...C3-e&index=129 11 000 km with BS6 => Service with oil, oil filter, air filter, sparkplug => continue without any issues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msr6...hT6af&index=38 Excellent value for the money. (The majority of the people having negative comments about this bike, have never used one. ) |
Thank you Erik, your last comment is true I think, hearsay, rumour, "how can it be so cheap?"
Back in 1980 I bought a fairly fresh MZ250/1, mixed views from other 250 rider's, but it was brilliant, two up at 80mph all day and simple. It's all relative, thanks, |
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Sometimes hard to understand for buyers in markets where they are used to get shown a premium priced product to affect them to buy a midprice product. |
I've had a few days offline, so excuse delay. Yes the price in India must be an underlying factor to the 5,200 euros here in France.. Much as I like my old XT600 I couldn't bring myself to part with 10k for new 700 model with not so much as a centrestand, let alone pricey extras. Other consideration was Voge 500 DSX at 6,200euros with does have centrestand, affordable extras, but it's so new to market and spares might be an issue. Anyway I think I've found a willing Enfield agent for possible testride
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Have a read of this French blog, if you have not found it already:
https://motohimalayan.wordpress.com/ My own PoV here: https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...eld-himalayan/ https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...0-mile-review/ You will see mine on the front cover of the AMHandbook somewhere on the right. I would definitely try one first before buying. It's not like other bikes: some get the Him, some don't. I found mine great for plodding around the Moroccan mountains and desert but chose to get it vanned to Malaga from UK. It's as fast as a Jap 250, but with more torque you'll appreciate on tracks. Also, the 3000-mile valve checks are a right pain. Perhaps they can be extended if it's not revved too hard? Like • At £4000, with the stock equipment it’s a bargain • Low, 800mm seat – at last a travel bike not limited to tall people • Enfield build quality stood up to it • Efi motor pulled smoothly up to 3000m (nearly 10,000′) • Michelin Anakee Wilds (run tubeless) – great do-it-all tyres • Low CoG and 21-″ front make it agile on the dirt • Rear YSS shock showed up the rather harsh forks • Yes it’s 190kg, but road and trail, it carries it well • Subframe easily sturdy enough for RTW load carrying • Economy went up and up: averaged 78 mpg (65 US; 27.6kpl; 3.62L/100k) • 400km range from the 15-litre tank – about 250 miles Like less • Weak front brake on the road (fitting sintered pads is a fix) • As a result, front ABS is a bit docile • Stock seat foam way too mushy for my bulk [• Tubliss core failed on the front; replaced with inner tube] • Centre stand hangs low – but can be raised • Valves need checking every 3000 miles (according to manual) • Small digit dash data hard to read at a glance • Compass is always out • Head bearings notchy at 4000 miles, despite regressing @ 1200 (replaced on warranty @ 5000) |
The Himalayan is the perfect bike to ride. In India. Elsewhere you may consider something similar like a 1982 Honda XL 250. ;)
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The Himalayan is a bike that draws a lot of internet argument.
They have a very loyal and argumentative fan base. But from my experience, most of these flag bearers generally haven't owned many bikes for comparison or don't use it as anything but a weekend toy . Although there are obvious exceptions to this. Their best argument was "Itchy boots uses one". But that's a sore point now as she's ditched it for Hondas after gaining more bike experience. I can say that I have about ten good friends or close acquaintances that own or have owned one. I have also had a few on my bench for work, prep and maintenance. It's worth noting that 90% of those people have sold them after the novelty has worn off or they have self destructed trying to use them as proper adv bikes. Personally, I think they're an absolute pointless machine other than a cheap novelty to supplement a proper adv bike. Considering what else is out there. They are incredibly heavy, very underpowered, have terrible suspension, awful braking and have pretty poor reliability. On paper, I can see their appeal. THEY'RE CHEAP. £4000 for a new bike !! WOW !! And they have a low seat. They look like an ADV bike. They're relatively simple too. However, I don't know anyone with a Himmy who hasn't had electrical problems, oil leaks and other frustrating issues. Although if your a capable mechanic, most issues seem simple to fix. Although one of my friends Himmy jammed up it's gearbox after 25,000 miles and another has had constant head-gasket leaks. But THINK !! You have £4000 to spend on an adventure bike. Have you seen what you can buy from used Japanese/European pedigree stock for £4000. Bikes that will last FOREVER, are high spec, well designed and professionally built. With great after sales support and dedicated parts suppliers. I could list fifty bikes that are better than the Himmy for the same money even with them being five, ten, twenty or even thirty years old. I'm like a broken record on this forum: NEW does not mean RELIABLE. CHEAP and NEW means quality is seriously compromised. |
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